An Examination of the Deteriorative Mechanisms and Enabling Factors at the Wanamaker Memorial Tower in Philadelphia

The Wanamaker Tower is in a precarious physical state; as will be demonstrated in this thesis; exterior problems with source moisture control have let to the start of failure of the decorative marble cladding of the interior spaces. The physical conservation problem is compounded by the absence of a constituency or advocacy for stewardship of the tower due to family disinterest and the dissolution of the parish congregation. This thesis will examine the condition of the Tower and the mechanisms of deterioration leading to those conditions. This thesis will also present a conservation plan aimed at addressing the treatment of the conditions as well as the future stewardship needs of the Wanamaker Memorial Tower.